Welcome to the ADEX PIXEL “VIRTUAL” EXPO [APE] post report! Read all about what APE is and how it kicked off on a high note on Friday, May 1, 2020.
- ABOUT ADEX PIXEL “VIRTUAL” EXPO [APE]
A PLATFORM THAT AIMS TO CONVENE “ONE INDUSTRY. ONE OCEAN. ONE COMMUNITY.”
“ADEX Pixel “Virtual” Expo is the product of COVID-19 pandemic and also the next stage for ADEX after 25 years. This platform will be the virtual/online arm to the existing ADEX series of shows as we hope to unite the industry as ‘One Industry. One Ocean. One Community’ and, also hopefully to be
‘The World’s First Digital Dive Show’!”
– John Thet
CEO of ADEX series of shows, Project Director of ADEX Pixel “Virtual” Expo, Publisher and Editorial Director of Asian Diver, Scuba Diver Australasia/OceanPlanet, Founder of Historical Diving Society Asia, and President of Magazine Publisher Association of Singapore [MPAS]
Connecting the global dive industry, blue economy sectors and its community, ADEX PIXEL “Virtual” EXPO (APE) brings together the world’s best dive influencers, thought leaders, industry key players – speakers and exhibitors, NGOs/NPOs, social enterprises, speakers, and visitors from across the world on ONE platform through NEW monthly content that ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE AND ENGAGE. The platform named “APE” for short offers contents such as informative presentations, interviews, LIVE! webinars and podcast series (panel discussions), an expansive marketplace, community forum, a stunning image gallery showcasing 2,021 underwater images from all over the world, and more exciting elements – all in the comforts of your own home!
Premiering the 4 zones of ADEX PIXEL VIRTUAL EXPO [APE]:
- OCEAN360 ZONE (PRIME 7 Days)
- SCUBA360 ZONE (7 Days)
- PIXEL360 ZONE (5 Days) – From Monday to Friday
- GLOBAL PAVILLION ZONE (3 Days) – On Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Premiering ADEX PIXEL VIRTUAL EXPO [APE] LIVE! Programme Segments:
ADEX PIXEL “VIRTUAL” EXPO FRINGE SEGMENTS
- NEWS
The go-to-portal for the latest news, updates and insights on APE Weekly Announcements, Industry News, ADEX Speakers/Ambassadors, Photo Competitions, Awards & Achievements, Divers Party, and ADEX Events (Update).
- DIVERS DIGEST (From www.uw360.asia & media)
Featured digital content from uw360.asia and curated articles from the magazines.Look out for new features:
– Dive Destination of the (Week/Month)
– Photo of the (Week/Month)
– Dive Master/Instructor of the (Week/Month)
– Dive Gear of the (Week/Month)
– Dive Equipment of the (Week/Month)
– Underwater Accessories & Jewellery of the (Week/Month)
- OCEAN GALLERY 2020
The Largest Digital Underwater Photo Ocean Gallery and other exciting to feature 2,020 underwater images from underwater photographers from across the world. These images will be then digitally displayed at the physical ADEX events.
- More+
-VOO Images (Entries/Finalists)
-Asian Photographer of the year (Entries/Finalists)
-Entries from www.adex.asia
-ADEX Speakers portfolio
-Scuba Diver Ocean Planet (Photo Edition)
- MARKETPLACE
A one-stop hub and an e-retail outlet for the dive consumers, dive centres, liveaboards operators, resort owners, and more could feature their best deals!
The Marketplace will be the “BUZZ” for everyone from the dive consumer who is surfing for the latest promotional offerings or for the best dive holiday deals. Vendors (such as Resort Owners, Liveaboard Owners/Associations, Tour Agencies/Operators, Education Agencies, Online Platform Resellers, Transport providers, Airlines) can feature their exciting promotions for the divers of the world.
- ADEX OFFICIAL e-SHOP
- DIVE PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
– Dive Professionals:
Course Directors, Dive Instructors and Divemasters, Freediving & Mermaid Instructors
– Buyers:
Resort Owners, Liveaboard Owners/Associations, Tour Agencies/Operators, Education Agencies, Online Platform Resellers, Transport providers, Airlines
– Talents:
Underwater photographers, underwater videographers and ocean writers
- DIVEAHOLIC FORUM
A lifestyle, edutainment online collaborative platform that showcase topics that are closest to a diver’s heart.
As the heartbeat of ADEX’s dive community, we will be discussing everything there is about diving. We would like to invite the world’s recreational and professional divers, aspiring divers, ocean lovers, ocean influencers, communities and everyone in the dive industry to join us in forces and have great conversations! Diveaholic Forum is by divers for divers!
2. ADEX PIXEL VIRTUAL EXPO [APE] STATISTICS @ A GLANCE
3. TESTIMONIALS
- ADEX PIXEL VIRTUAL EXPO [APE] EVENT HIGHLIGHTS[4.1] LIVE! GLOBAL WEBCAST:
OPENING CEREMONY
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 3PM – 4PM
Held in the very homes of exhibitors, panellists, speakers and visitors across the world, the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) Pixel Expo started with a bang, first showing Gamiel Carrión’s, an artist from São Paulo, Brazil that creates beautifully surreal yet poetic visual film shorts in the hope to change the world, Above the Clouds | A Visual Poem.
“As one collective industry, we want to create more divers, all who come towards one ocean. Our ocean.”
He then explained the nitty-gritty of the importance to learn, lead, and inspire the community and industry, as a way to give back to the ocean and its vitality. The expo canvases topics and personnel from freediving to mermaiding, tekdiving to water sports, exhibitors to speakers, and social enterprises to other key industry players, amongst other important issues.
With BlueGreen101, Scuba101, Underwater Sports101, Ocean Odyssey101, Gear/Equipment101, Repeat/Rewind, and Film Festival segments on the agenda, the Pixel “Virtual” Expo promises an exciting new venture for divers and non-divers alike. Professionals and contributors can also look forward to networking webinars and a collective directory, and the website also offers ocean and diving news – hot off the press! John also extended his personal thank you to the UW360 team, and the supporters of the show.
Jamie Piyada Monmaneerat, ADEX’s long-term emcee and APE’s gracious host, introduced the ambassadors of the show.
ADEX Ambassador for Photography, Aaron Wong, Singapore, said, “Amidst all this uncertainty, this platform is great to stay positive and united. Mother nature needed a break from all our nonsense. We can use this time to think about our actions and unveil a new version of ourselves when this ends.”
He mentioned that APE is a timely concept that John and his team put together very quickly. “Its success is based on us – it’s only a party when everyone comes!”
ADEX Ambassador for Photography, Y Zin, South Korea, was very happy to see her dive friends – even in the current situation! “It is sad what this situation has brought, especially the tragedy in the Haen-yeo community,” she laments. “These divers are old and vulnerable. It is sad, and the situation may get better, or worse, but we can only hope for the best.”
Adex Ambassador for Photography, Yorko Summer, Taiwan, ADEX Ambassador for Compact Cameras, Tim Ho and William Tan, Ambassador for Filmmaking, Pepe Arcos, Spain, and also said their hellos and gave their best wishes to the ADEX team. “We are all affected by COVID19, and it’s great that I can see my dive friends here on this platform!”
ADEX Ambassador for Tekdiving (Pioneer), David Strike, Australia, has proclaimed that this is the best time to start brushing up on your diving history – time to get started!
ADEX Ambassador for Tekdiving (International), Ahmed Gabr, Egypt, said “I’m very happy to meet everyone virtually, and very excited for what’s to come. On the positive side, nature might have needed this time to cure itself, and it will hopefully be ready for us when we next venture out.”
ADEX China co-organiser Melissa, and ADEX India co-organisers Kapil Malhotra and Amit Malhotra graced the platform and welcomed everyone to the next event – hopefully happening sooner rather than later!
[4.2] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
DIVING INTO DISRUPTION IN THE AGE OF COVID19 – INDUSTRY-FOCUSSED
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 4PM – 4:30PM
“The time for competition is not now – now is the time to work together for the industry,” said John Thet.
The pandemic disrupted many businesses by the abrupt lockdown of international borders, and an immediate halt to the travel industry when international travel restrictions were sanctioned, where citizens were advised to stay at home and not allowed to cross borders.
Hence, this elusive coronavirus outbreak has caused an immediate impact and dramatic business concerns, which is leading the global economy and businesses towards the path of recession.
The diving and dive tourism industry are not safeguarded from this situation. In fact, the pandemic has hit dive businesses hard. Conventional-practiced dive businesses had to face a possible closure unless it decides to transition its methods towards the road of innovative, digital transformation.
“Take your head out of the sand. Opportunities will be changing, and we need to learn to adapt!” said JC, as he mentioned SSI’s new courses available online, which had been in the making for some time.
TDI representative, Alex Yeo, mentioned that while e-learning has been around for a long time, its time to shine is now. Select programmes by his institution are made free for members, and they have partnered with dive shops to navigate through these unprecedented times.
JC ended off with a beautiful saying from Switzerland:
“We will move as fast as possible, but as slow as necessary.”
[4.3] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
DIVING DEEP INTO TECHNICAL DIVING
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 4.40PM – 5:10PM
Next on the schedule was Diving Deep into Technical Diving, with moderator Ben Reymenants (Belgium) and panellists Ahmed Gabr (Egypt) Guinness World Record Holder for the Deepest Scuba Dive (332.35 metres), ADEX Ambassador for Technical Diving, Int’l), Founder of IF, Bruce Konefe (USA), Julien Fortin (France), Jeffrey Glenn (Australia), Yvonne Press (Indonesia), Pete Mesley (UK), Dr Matt Carter (Australia), and Dharshana Jayawardena (Sri Lanka).
Julien has been digitalising his projects that include underwater maps as he is stuck in quarantine. Each of them are missing the feeling of being wet, but hanging tight!
[4.4] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
DIVING INTO THE SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 – ASIA-PACIFIC DIVE TOURISM-FOCUSED
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 5.20PM – 6:00PM
The sustainable economic development of the ocean is only possible if it contributes to long-term prosperity and resilience. The COVID19 pandemic has globally impacted a great inconvenience to the global economy, and the diving and dive tourism is not spared. Albeit the disarray of chaos, the pandemic has resulted in a series of positive light on nature, the environment, and the oceans.
Since the travel industry was put to a standstill, globally, this enables for the oceans to heal. With no or less human intervention and activity, this has subconsciously lead to a global ocean restart.
Thus, the grand picture in remaining resilient to maintaining a sustainable blue economy is to look into the existing practices and usage of the sea and its resources for sustainable economic development and how it will be managed post COVID19.
Dr Trust Lin said, “I am honoured to be able to save the oceans.” While the tourism industry of Taiwan is suffering, diving is thriving. As the Taiwanese are not travelling elsewhere, they are looking at diving locally.
But Monica Chin pointed out that nature is healing, and as conservationists and environmentalists, this should be the biggest news to rejoice about. While the internet provides a great opportunity to grow in these tough times, it is not an option for everyone. This is a privilege that we forget might not be in the hands of everyone.
[4.5] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
THE STATE OF THE OCEAN IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 6.10PM – 6:50PM
ADEX Pixel Virtual Expo brought together the league of ocean defenders, moderator Jamie Piyada (Thailand) and panellists Louise Hardman (Australia) CEO & Co-Founder of Plastic Collective, Gary Stokes (UK) Founder of OceansAsia, Hidy Yu (Hong Kong) ADEX Ambassador for Marine Conservation, Mithali Dutt Kakar (India) ADEX India Ocean Ambassador and Founder, Reef Watch Marine Conservation, India, and Anuar Abdullah (Malaysia) ADEX Ambassador for Coral Reefs and Founder, Ocean Quest Global, to share their thoughts about their relationship and commitment to the ocean, their journey, and observation, the challenges that the ocean faced, their expectations of the Ocean’s future, and their prediction on human behaviour and the ocean post-COVID19.
[4.6] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
THE UNTOLD FOLKTALE OF MERMAIDING
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 7.00PM – 7:30PM
Mermaids, an aquatic creature with the head and upper body of a female human and the tail of a fish, have appeared in children’s books, cartoons, and documentaries. This ethereal-looking creature and a vision of beauty have fascinated both adults and children!
But does it even exist or just a fragment of a fisherman’s imagination? Folktale, Myths or Real? Till today, there are no concrete scientific findings of its actual existence.
With fascination and a beautiful message that it carries, mermaid competitions have been sprouting around the world spreading the words of ocean conservation and love towards all marine life. This has lead to the increased popularity of both females and males signing up for courses with the various mermaiding schools and institutions.
ADEX has been a massive supporter of this underwater discipline and has been providing the platform for mermaiding to showcase their skills in the form of show and tell and performances in the Asia Dive Expo shows.
ADEX Pixel Virtual Expo convened these mythical creatures, practitioners and educators to share their vision and mission of being a mermaid. The panel addressed how one can go to become a professional mermaid, and the pieces of training involved in executing those elegant maneuvers underwater while holding their breath. This panel involved moderator Patricia Furtado de Mendonca and panellists Herman Calis, Sherin Tang, Yuki Wong, Alan Lam, Syrena, Mermaid Pia, Yee Hui, and Nicholas Tan.
“Mermaiding is like ballet, and freediving like gymnastics,” claimed Syrena.
“Mermaiding often results in forgetting about your breathhold, and just becoming one with the water.”
[4.7] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
THE CHALLENGES OF A FREEDIVER IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 7.40PM – 8:10PM
[4.8] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
A VISION OF THE OCEAN – THROUGH THE MASTER’S LENS: THE DYNAMISM OF STILLS & MOTION
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 8.20PM – 9:00PM
Many still and motion creators started their journey with a diverse and massive plethora of challenges. From physical, mental, time & situational feats.
ADEX Pixel Virtual Expo attempted to explore and address what it takes to be a master or award-winning photographer, what do they see as a “perfect shot” or “story”, and does luck play a part in this journey and more.
The panel was managed by moderator Dr. Alex Mustard (UK) Under Photographer and panellists Christian Vizl (Mexico) Underwater Photographer, Ocean Lover and Conservationist, Ellen Cuylaerts (Cayman Island) Underwater, Wildlife Photographer, Explorer, Storyteller and Conservationist, Tobias Friedrich (Germany) Underwater, Wildlife and Travel Photographer, Scott Tuason (Philippines) Underwater Photographer, William Tan (Singapore) Underwater Photographer, and Amos Nachoum (USA/Israel) Wildlife photojournalist, explorer, conservationist and lecturer.
“Although none of us can be underwater right now, we’re still underwater photographers.”
Christian started off by saying that there is too much focus on the technical aspects of underwater photography. “Everybody can have an impressive and winning image,” he proclaims. “The trick is to move further away from nitty gritty technicalities. The challenge is to produce a consistent flow of high quality images!”
Tobias draws inspiration from old pictures of his that he is not satisfied with. “I have the image in mind, then I try to recreate it, but better.”
William said, “I don’t plan! Luck plays a big role in a great shot.”
Alex, too, mentioned that he is influenced by the great names of photography he grew up with, but also the “smaller” names – “The more underwater photos you consume, the better a photographer you can become.”
On tips for new photographers, Christian said that being a great diver is important before being a great underwater photographer. His mentor once told him: “If you go to the zoo, don’t take photos of the zoo. Take photos of how you felt at the zoo.” The idea of transforming your feelings into a picture has guided him all my life.
Ellen suggested working hard – the classic, failproof tip. “Study your manual. Shoot loads! Not just animals, but everything,” she said. “And when one door closes, don’t be demotivated – another might open. Be genuine and kind, deliver on time, be nice to the next generation of photographers.”
William had one stellar tip: Do not harass the animal
“A right photo is better than a good photo.”
Amos said that while there are 7 billion people on the planet, each of us are unique. “Don’t be afraid to find your own style on this amazing planet!”
While Tobias took the practical stance on suggesting that newbies join a workshop, Scott put on a jovial mood: “Enjoy! It’s the most important thing.”
[4.9] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
A DIVER’S JOURNEY – A HISTORICAL RETROSPECTIVE
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 9.10PM – 9:50PM
“If the ocean dies, we all die. So we need to learn to live in harmony with all species among us. We need to understand that we are not the masters of the planet.”
– Captain Paul Watson, Special Guest
[4.10] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
#HappyHourFridays @ ADEX Surface Interval
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 10.00PM – LATE
As ADEX was created over a night of beer-gushing session by two lads, #HappyHourFridays @ ADEX Surface Interval was created in that honour. This session was dedicated for the much-desired bantering and networking with the ADEX communities and the dive industry. The moderator had the right to kick participants out without a drink!
[4.11] VIRTUAL PANEL WEBINAR:
OCEAN FILM SHOWCASE
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 10.30PM – LATE
Synopsis of 700 Sharks: Dive for the first time by night into a feeding frenzy of 700 sharks in Polynesia, the largest concentration of sharks in the world. Filmed with very ambitious camera gear, this documentary reveals unprecedented social behavior of sharks.
The film demonstrates that, contrary to what science said up to now, sharks do not hunt alone. They are actually organized with a leader, have strategies and collaborate among one another. An organization that resembles a pack of wolves or lions.
Discover incredible scenes of hunting, like in a savannah wildlife film, in which fifty sharks team up to capture one fish, and prey that sometimes manages to outsmart sharks.
ADEX PIXEL VIRTUAL EXPO ENDED ITS INAUGURAL EDITION WITH A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
Stay tuned for more ADEX Pixel Expo events and updates – we hope you’re as excited as us for what’s to come!